Dos and Don'ts During a Plumbing Emergency
There's never a good time for a plumbing emergency, but the middle of the night is probably the worst time for something to happen. Thankfully, many plumbers offer emergency services. There are a few things you should and shouldn't do while you wait, however.
Don't Use Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners rely on caustic chemicals to unclog a drain. Unfortunately, they rarely work and are just as likely to damage your pipes as they are to clear them. A chemical drain cleaner will only work on the simplest of clogs.
If the drain cleaner does not clear the clog, it will just sit in one concentrated area, potentially eating through your pipe and making a bad situation disastrous. Worse, you or the plumber can be injured by these chemicals, which can cause severe burns. If you have already used a drain cleaner, stop trying to clear the drain and be sure to let the plumber know when they arrive that you have used chemicals so they can take the proper safety precautions before they start working.
Do Turn Off the Main Water Shutoff Valve
Your main water shutoff valve will most likely be outside your home along an exterior wall, usually in the front of your house and near the water meter. It resembles an outdoor water spigot. Rarely, it may be inside your home in a utility room.
Do Turn Off Internal Valves
Shutting off the main water supply will prevent any more water from coming into the house, but it won't do anything about the water already circulating through your pipes. Look for additional shutoff valves and turn those off as well. For example, if the toilet is overflowing, turn off the valve near or under the tank to cut the flow.
Don't Ignore the Plumbing Problem
When it's the middle of the night or the weekend, it can be tempting to not want to bother calling a plumber. Unfortunately, small leaks can quickly turn into bigger leaks. Pressure may be building up in a clogged pipe, which could cause it to burst. Plumbers who offer emergency plumbing services fully expect to get calls for help in the middle of the night or on the weekends, so don't delay calling when there is a problem.
Do Clean Up Water
If you have water everywhere, use a mop, old towels or whatever you can find to get it cleaned up right away. You don't want your flooring or anything else to suffer water damage.
Contact an emergency plumber in your area to learn more.